considering having dealer change timing belt

[machman]

I called the local Toyota dealer today and they said that they would change the timing belt on my '98 1MZFE for $180 including the belt. I then called that Toyota parts department and the belt itself which is genuine Toyota is around $48. So I am thinking that it is a pretty good deal to let then go ahead and do the work.

I am sure that I could go to the parts store and save a few bucks but I think I would feel better about a Toyota belt.

Is this something that they could mess up?

Thanks in advance for your suggestions.

[BullMarket]

That's a deal...do it.

BULLMKT

[dirtdiggler]

I would have the dealer replace the t-belt, water pump and seals. dealership will warranty their work and also have it done in a nice warm garage. keep your hands clean. its also a plus when you decide to sell the car with t-belt documentation.

dirt diggler

[Cyorke]

That is a good price for the belt replacement. But be aware that they will probably find seals, tensioner, idler, and water pump that need to be replaced. You may want to ask them up front worse case scenario if you were to have all of that replaced if needed. You can probably count on at least an additional 1/2 hour labor for each seal, tensioner, and idler and then another 1-1.5 hours for the water pump. So it could end up being another 4-4.5 hours worth of labor plus parts.

I agree if you can have the dealer do it, it is a good thing because you get their warranties on parts and labor usually, jsut be aware that it may end up being more than 180 plus taxes. Hey get you in with the inexpensive timing belt replacement cost then add all the other stuff on to it and make their money there.

[kenny1773]

Originally Posted by machman

Is this something that they could mess up?

If the dealer is not honest, then yes.

I used one of my local Toyota dealers coupons to replace the timing belt on my wife's old corolla. It was $149 for everything, it was the first belt at 60k. They called with the usual need to replace this that and the other and had the bill up to about $600, I said no thanks, I only want the belt replaced for $149.

After much argueing back and forth about the other work needing done, they finally said ok we will just do the belt, but your car won't be ready today (like they originally told me) you will have to wait until tomorrow to get it. I said fine.

I picked the car up and got it home, the next morning there was a puddle of oil under it. I called the dealer back and said they must have done something wrong, they agreed to look at it (I really didn't before I took it to them figuring it was their problem)

I get a call back about 30 minutes after they had the car telling me the oil pan bolt was stripped and since they had no record of changing my oil they were not taking responsibility for it.

I WAS FURIOUS!! I am the only person that changed oil in that car and I never had an issue with the bolt. They wanted to charge me $400 for a new oil pan (which they happened to have in stock).

I said no and fixed it myself with a helicoil.

Bottom line, those coupons are lost leaders. They make no money on the coupon deal and they hope to sucker you into other work. I had a dishonest dealer break something on my car (I am sure they put a wrench on the oil pan bolt and overtightened it) and then try to make money off that repair.

It's probably safe if you trust your dealer.

[ASG14]

Get the water pump done too, even if it's fine. Can save a lot of time and money a little bit down the road.

[jhbhatia]

tell them to replace drive belts as well (alternator belt, power steering belt as well) its an additional 24 bucks when you get ur t/belt service done at a dealership. your price is a decent price...(usually in the summer with their coupons this is what they typically charge).

[machman]

Thanks guys. They did mention the coupon. I asked where I get one and he said that he would give me one. I will check on the water pump too.

I usually like to do my own work but this sounded like a good deal. I will give them a try.